Optical breakdown in aerosols under the influence of pulsed CO2 laser radiation

The temperature dependences of the optical and thermophysical parameters of the materials of the aerosol particles and the profile of the radiation pulses are used in a theoretical study of the initial stage of optical breakdown in aerosols made of transparent refractory particles heated to strong-evaporation temperatures in the field of pulsed CO₂ laser radiation. A study is made of the influence of the radiation pulse profile, and of the material and size of the particles on the rate of their heating. An experimental study is reported of optical breakdown in aerosols consisting of aluminum and magnesium oxide particles. The dependences of the threshold and delay time of initiation of a breakdown plasma formed from aerosol particles on the material of the particles are confirmed.